Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” was published in 2012 with huge success, and two years later it was adapted into an equally successful movie. The Oscar-nominated film saw great performances from lead actors Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike.

“Gone Girl,” a postmodern mystery film directed by David Fincher, starring Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, and Carrie Coon in major roles. The movie follows the events that unfold in Nick Dunne’s (Affleck) life when his wife, Amy (Pike), mysteriously vanishes. Things turn for the worse when Nick becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.

“Gone Girl” is much-loved by fans for several reasons. Firstly, the story plot is intense and unforgettable due to its unanticipated climax. Secondly, both the book and movie offer a female protagonist who is complex and resourceful beyond measure. If you’re yet to watch it, we recommend that you do so. And finally, for those of us who have already seen it, you’re probably eager for more movies with similar suspenseful themes.

If you’re one of many “Gone Girl” fans, we have good news. There are plenty of other must-watch psychological thrillers out there with just as powerful female leads. These award-winning blockbusters and lesser-known gems are exactly what to watch next if you’re looking for more movies like “Gone Girl.”

“The Girl on the Train” (2016)

“The Girl on the Train” is an adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ 2015 novel of the same name. The movie, directed by Tate Taylor, stars Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, and Justin Theroux.

Rachel Watson (Blunt), an alcoholic divorcee, becomes obsessed with the lives of a young couple she sees every day from her train window. Her voyeuristic behavior takes a dark turn when she believes she witnessed the woman’s murder. When the police investigation begins, Rachel finds herself as the prime suspect.

Like “Gone Girl,” “The Girl on the Train” features an unreliable narrator who may or may not be guilty of a crime. The movie is suspenseful and will keep you guessing until the very end.

“The Woman in the Window” (2021)

If you’re looking for a movie that’s similar to “Gone Girl” in terms of its plot, then you should definitely check out “The Woman in the Window” on Netflix.

The film is based on the book of the same name by A.J. Finn and stars Amy Adams as Anna Fox, an agoraphobic woman who becomes obsessed with her new neighbors. When one of them is mysteriously murdered, she begins to suspect that she may have witnessed the crime.

The cast also includes Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman, Wyatt Russell, and Brian Tyree Henry. “The Woman in the Window” is an intense movie with a thrilling plot that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

“A Simple Favor” (2018)

“A Simple Favor” is a 2018 classic mystery-thriller film directed by Paul Feig and written by Jessica Sharzer, based on the novel of the same name by Darcey Bell. The film stars Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, and Andrew Rannells.

Stephanie (Kendrick) is a single mother who works as a vlogger. Her best friend Emily (Lively) is a high-class secretive mom and the two women share everything with each other. When Emily suddenly disappears, Stephanie begins to worry and launches her own investigation into her friend’s disappearance.

What makes “A Simple Favor” so captivating is its fast-paced plot. The cast is also excellent, with both Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively giving powerhouse performances. If you’re looking for a movie that’s similar to “Gone Girl,” then we recommend checking out “A Simple Favor.”

“Fractured” (2019)

If you’re looking for a movie with as many twists and turns as “Gone Girl,” then “Fractured” is a must-watch. The film follows the story of a man named Ray (played by Sam Worthington) whose wife and daughter mysteriously disappear after they go to the hospital. As Ray tries to piece together what happened, he realizes that the hospital staff may be involved in a sinister plot.

“Fractured” is chock full of plot twists that will have you stumped until the credits start rolling. If you loved “Gone Girl,” then put this film on the top of your must-watch list.

“Prisoners” (2013)

If you’re looking for a movie with strong performances and an even stronger plot, “Prisoners” is a perfect choice.

The movie stars Hugh Jackman as Keller Dover, a man who takes the law into his own hands when his young daughter and her friend go missing. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Detective Loki, the cop tasked with investigating the case. As the two men race against time to find the girls, they must also confront their own demons.

“Prisoners” is a gripping psychological thriller that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. With a plot that is full of twists and turns, “Prisoners” is a must-watch for any fan of psychological thrillers.

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (2011)

If you’re looking for a movie with a strong and badass female lead, look no further than “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Before David Fincher filmed “Gone Girl,” he created this psychological crime thriller that fans believe has similar characteristics.

The movie stars Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander, a computer hacker with a troubled past. When she is hired by journalist Mikael Blomkvist (played by Daniel Craig) to help him investigate the 40-year disappearance of a young woman from a wealthy family, they uncover a dark and twisted conspiracy.

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is an edge-of-your-seat thriller movie that will keep you fully immersed in the story from beginning to end.

“Deep Water” (2022)

If you’re in the mood for a psychological thriller with a dash of romance, “Deep Water” is the perfect movie for you.

Based on the book of the same name by Patricia Highsmith, “Deep Water” tells the story of Vic and Melinda Van Allen (played by Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas), a married couple who have an open marriage agreement in order to prevent an ugly divorce. When his wife’s lovers turn up dead, Vic immediately becomes a suspect…but is he the real killer?

Related: Ana De Armas All-Movies List in Chronological Order

With its mix of mystery, suspense, and romance, “Deep Water” is the perfect movie to watch next if you enjoyed “Gone Girl.”

“Nocturnal Animals” (2016)

“Nocturnal Animals” tells the story of an art gallery owner, Susan, who is haunted by her ex-husband’s new novel about a family man whose wife and daughter are kidnapped and murdered.

Susan becomes so disturbed by the book that she reaches out to the author, Edward, with whom she had a tumultuous relationship. The two eventually meet and confront the demons of their past.

“Nocturnal Animals” is a beautifully dark and twisted psychological thriller that is sure to keep you on your toes until the very end. Amy Adams gives an Oscar-worthy performance as Susan Morrow, and Jake Gyllenhaal delivers an equally powerful performance as Edward Sheffield (ex-husband) and Tony Hastings (novel).

If you’re a fan of movies like “Gone Girl,” then “Nocturnal Animals” is definitely a movie you won’t want to miss.

“Gone Baby Gone” (2007)

In his directorial debut, “Gone Baby Gone” is a neo-noir crime drama film directed by Ben Affleck and starring his brother Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, and Morgan Freeman. The screenplay by Affleck and Aaron Stockard is based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane.

It tells the story of two private investigators, Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan), who are hired to find a missing 4-year-old girl.

Kenzie’s behavior takes a turn for the worse, and it’s unclear whether she’s acting out of malicious intent or if she’s being controlled by an external force. If you’re a fan of crime dramas, Gone Baby Gone is definitely worth watching.

“To Die For” (1995)

If you’re a fan of “Gone Girl”, then you’re bound to enjoy “To Die For”. Based on a novel by Joyce Maynard, this black-comedy thriller has many similarities to “Gone Girl”. Directed by Gus Van Sant, the movie features Nicole Kidman as the lead character. Other well-known actors in the film’s star-studded cast include Joaquin Phoenix, Matt Dillon, Illeana Douglas, and Casey Affleck.

“To Die For” is a psychological crime drama that tells the story of Suzanne Stone (Kidman), an ambitious journalist who will stop at nothing to get national exposure and be famous. When she devises a plot with her lover and his friends to kill her husband, things start to unravel, leaving her life in shambles.

Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Suzanne Stone, a psychopathic killer, is worth watching in this film alone. There are plenty of suspenseful and dramatic moments offset by lighter ones, making this movie a dark comedy as well as a thriller.

“Dark Places” (2015)

In 2015, Gillian Flynn released “Dark Places,” a novel-based movie directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner. Movie stars Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Chloë Grace Moretz, Tye Sheridan, Sterling Jerins, Corey Stoll, and Christina Hendricks play the leading roles in this outstanding work. If you’ve read “Gone Girl,” then you might expect “Dark Places” to have some similarities in terms of characterization or plot but that wouldn’t necessarily be accurate.

Libby Day, played by Theron, is a woman who is constantly haunted by her past. When she was only eight years old, her mother and two older sisters were murdered and Libby blames her brother for the crime. The event caused Libby immense trauma that has followed her throughout her life. 30 years later, detective Lyle Wirth (Hoult) decides to reopen the case and try to uncover what really happened on that fateful day.

Although it wasn’t praised by many or successful in terms of ticket sales, “Dark Places” is still worth a watch if you’re a fan of Gillian Flynn.

“Side Effects” (2013)

“Side Effects” is a psychological thriller that will keep you riveted until the very end. It has everything you could possibly want in a suspenseful movie: corruption, conspiracy, personal vendetta, and of course, murder.

Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Channing Tatum star in this film directed by Steven Soderbergh. Emily Taylor (played by Mara) suffers from depression and seeks therapy as the story unfolds. As she shuffles between her present and previous therapists we watch as Emily ends up committing a crime.

“Side Effects” is a complex and thrilling movie that will keep you engaged. The entire cast delivers impressive performances, but Jude Law and Rooney Mara are especially notable. You won’t be disappointed!

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Jimmy P

Senior Editor, BuddyTV